Cover Story
ImageOut 2012
Over the course of 10 days, October 5-14, ImageOut: The Rochester LGBT Film & Video Festival will celebrate two decades of bringing to this city the world’s finest films about the ever-evolving lesbian-gay-bisexual-transgender experience.
Daily Choices: What to do on Wednesday, October 10
COMEDY: Have a routine you’re dying to try on a live audience? Head over to the Comedy Club (2235 Empire Blvd., Webster) for Steve Burr’s Open Mic tonight, 7:30-9 p.m. Admission is $5. For more info, call 671-9080, thecomedyclub.us. MUSIC: Conspirator is the edgy electro-rock outfit formed by AronMagner and Marc Brownstein (the keyboardist and…
“How I Met Your Mother” Season 8, Episode 3
“How I Met Your Mother” started off, well, appropriately, with a bang. Barney (Neil Patrick Harris) is fresh out of his relationship with Quinn (Becki Newton), right? And we all know how well he deals with new-found singledom.
Hanna-O’Brien debate is today
The campaign for the 55th State Senate District seat has been an ugly one, often fought by groups outside the candidates’ camps. But this afternoon the candidates, Democrat Ted O’Brien and Republican Sean Hanna, will go up against each other in a Rotary Club debate. O’Brien is an attorney and a county legislator; Hanna is…
Daily Choices: What to do on Tuesday, October 9
THEATER: Re-live the magic of “Mary Poppins” tonight at 7:30 p.m. at The Auditorium Theatre (885 Main St.). Tickets to the live Broadway spectacular are $32.50-72.50, and the show continues through Oct 14. For tickets, call 800-745-3000 or visit ticketmaster.com. More info at rbtl.org. MUSIC: Experimental-rock-meets-metal group The Overseer will be playing tonight at the…
Jobs conspiracy: a new low
One of the most perplexing things about this election season has been trying to understand why some conservatives have such utter contempt for President Obama. The hatred has been there from the beginning, woven with threads of controversy and thinly veiled bigotry. There was the criticism over receiving the Nobel Prize, the birth certificate controversy,…
Week ahead: VP debate, Pittsford development meeting
The first and only debate between vice-presidential candidates Joe Biden and Paul Ryan takes place this Thursday, October 11. Biden is undoubtedly under pressure to salvage the Democratic ticket after last week’s less-than-stellar debate performance by President Obama. Pundits will certainly be watching to see if the pressure pushes Biden into making one of his…
Concert Review: Rocket From the Tombs, Billy Hector
It’s simple, really; if you say it’s punk rock, it ain’t punk rock. It’s like shouting to the world that you’ve taken a vow of silence. Sure, Cleveland-based Rocket From The Tombs came and went in an explosion of brutal rock ’n’ roll a few years before the punk-rock moniker was getting thrown around, but…
Daily Choices: What to do on Saturday-Sunday, October 6-7
SPECIAL EVENT: Rochester River Romance weekend continues Saturday and Sunday, and includes Charlotte Genesee Lighthouse tours, marriage vow renewals on the banks of the Genesee, "haunted" gorge tours, live music, and a Twilight River Romance Dinner Cruise. Locations of activities vary from Maplewood Rose Garden, Charlotte, Ontario Beach Park, Turning Point Park, and other points…
Vargas makes no promises
After nearly a year-and-a-half leading Rochester’s schools, Superintendent Bolgen Vargas has yet to set the usual benchmarks. He’s instead downplayed expectations and has not promised to raise graduation rates. This is a different superintendent from his predecessors. For instance, Vargas hardly reacts to whatever the latest report says about Rochester’s low student achievement. But he…
GM shutting down Honeoye Falls fuel cell facility
General Motors announced today that it will shut down its Honeoye Falls fuel cell research and development facility. The technical work will be transferred to the automaker’s Pontiac, Michigan, powertrain facility. “The primary driver is really to consolidate the technical expertise in our global powertrain headquarters,” says GM spokesperson Kim Carpenter. COPYRIGHT GENERAL MOTORS This…
Dems propose moratorium on treating fracking wastes
Democrats in the Monroe County Legislature are proposing legislation to temporarily ban the county from treating fracking wastes. Legislator Justin Wilcox of Brighton is sponsoring the referral. He wants a temporary ban so that the county can study the possible negative impacts of treating the waste, says a press release from the Democrats. The county’s…
Bus station build starts Monday
Construction on Rochester’s new, $50 million transit station begins on Monday, October 8, said Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority officials at a press conference yesterday afternoon. “We’re thrilled to finally get started,” said RGRTA’s Jim Redmond. The enclosed, one-story facility will be located on Mortimer Street, spanning the block between South Clinton Avenue and St.…
A loss and a win on Binghamton’s fracking ban
A state Supreme Court justice has struck down the City of Binghamton’s moratorium on fracking and related activities, reports the New York Times. But the same judge also affirmed that communities have the right to exclude drilling activities through zoning laws. The New York Times quotes state Supreme Court Justice Ferris Lebous’s decision, which according…
Daily Choices: What to do on Friday, October 5
ART: Visit the Neighborhood of the Arts tonight, 4-9 p.m., for the NOTA & ArtWalk Extension Celebration, which will include performances, exhibits, open houses, music, and a look at the neighborhood revamp and new installations. The event is free; more info can be found at baviz.com/artwalkextension/index.html. COMEDY: Comedian and actress Wanda Sykes will perform her…
“Project Runway” Season 10: Lower your avant-garde
It was the final challenge before Fashion Week, and the Final 5 – Dmitry, Sonjia, Christopher, Melissa, and Fabio – were hauled out to a castle in Long Island, given some nonsensical make-up-based inspirations (seriously, I have no idea), and then tasked with designing avant-garde looks. I think it blows that we got our avant-garde…
“The X Factor” Season 2: Boot Camp, Part 2
We went into Day 2 of Boot Camp in Miami with 60 acts remaining. They were paired off and had to duet against one another. The singing pairs had to pick the same song, and decide who sang what parts. Both singers could advance. Only one could advance. Neither of them could advance. Ultimately we…
Concert Review: RPO season opener
The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra opened its 90th season on Thursday night with all the fanfare of an opening day of a major-league sports season. The orchestra sported red carnations. Maestro Arild Remmereit led the RPO and the audience in the singing of the national anthem. And Remmereit offered play calls about pieces — several of…
Next debate, press for answers
Governor Mitt Romney’s debate performance last night has probably reenergized his campaign and given conservatives something to crow about after a month of mostly bad news. And President Obama, who often seemed intent on being restrained, is the purported loser in the first presidential debate, according to early polls. But Republicans shouldn’t get too cocky…
“South Park” Season 16, Episode 9
The kids in South Park try to raise the bar, and make a darn good episode out of it.
Debate 1: Obama’s awful night
Holy cow! What on earth was wrong with Barack Obama last night? He seemed distracted, distant, and unprepared. As a thousand commentators have noted, Mitt Romney gave Obama plenty of openings for an aggressive stance, but he ignored them all. And instead of going on the offensive, he stayed on defense too much, lunging for…
Daily Choices: What to do on Thursday, October 4
SPECIAL EVENT: The Food Truck Rodeo takes place tonight, 5-9 p.m., at the Public Market (280 N. Union St.), and will feature your favorites, including La Petit Poutine, Cheesed & Confused, as well as two beer gardens and musical entertainment by Friends Unplugged. Admission is free, but bring a folding chair and spending money. For…
“The X Factor” Season 2: Boot Camp, Round 1
We’re done with the initial auditions, and on to Boot Camp! Having not watched Season 1, I had no idea what that entailed, but I assumed it was similar to Hollywood Week on “Idol.” That’s basically true. After fakey-fake “candid” videos featuring several contestants, most of whom were spotlighted in the original audition episodes, we…
Concert Review: Big Sandy and his Fly-Rite Boys
With a seasoned cool, classic noir haberdashery and a velvety voice that resembled liquid panty remover, Big Sandy commandeered the SS Abilene and positively rocked all souls on deck Tuesday night with his Fly-Rite Boys. The band ran a nice cross-section review of its lengthy catalogue, from its seminal debut “Fly-Rite With…” to its bust-out…
“Face Off” Season 3: Kids draw the darndest things
Last night I realized that we’re at least 2/3 of the way through this season, and at this point we can make a few judgment calls. Overall I think the challenges this season have been pretty great. We’ve had some good sci-fi staples (zombies, super heroes) and some more creative exercises (the Chinese zodiac, this…
Sibley theatrics make everyone look bad
So what are we to make of the bit of political theater that played out yesterday over the Sibley building? For starters, I feel sorry for the mayor. He’s from the private sector, after all. He’s used to accomplishing things. In government, everything takes longer, costs more, and has a way of pissing everyone off.…
Daily Choices: What to do on Wednesday, October 3
ART: This year marks the Memorial Art Gallery’s 100th anniversary. In conjunction with the MAG’s Centennial, the Rush Rhees Library’s Department of Rare Books and Special Collections (University of Rochester, River Campus) is hosting a retrospective exhibit, “Memorial Art Gallery: 100 Years of Art for the Community.” Check it out today 9 a.m.-5 p.m. The…
Land bank concept gains traction at City Hall
City of Rochester officials are taking steps toward setting up a land bank, a not-for-profit entityintended to serve as a tool to address vacant properties. Last year the state passed legislation authorizing 10 land banks across New York. Earlier this year it signed off on five, including one in Erie County. (Artvoice has an article…
JAM/ELECTRONIC: Conspirator
Conspirator is the edgy electro-rock outfit formed by Aron Magner and Marc Brownstein (the keyboardist and bass player from jam-band giants The Disco Biscuits), as well as New York producer DJ Omen. The band has experienced several permutations since its inception in 2004, but since the recent addition of guitarist Chris Michetti and drummers Darren…
MOVIE REVIEW: “Cosmopolis”
In movies like “eXistenZ” (how’s that for a title?), “The Fly,” and “Crash,” David Cronenberg has demonstrated an interest in unusual combinations of the biological and the mechanical. In his latest work, “Cosmopolis,” he attempts to explore some more abstract territory, the world of a currency manipulator who handles all his business through a bank…
JAZZ: Tom Harrell Quartet
From the late 1960’s through the mid-1970’s trumpet and flugelhorn player extraordinaire Tom Harrell made his name in the bands of Stan Kenton, Woody Herman, and Horace Silver. Over the next decade he enhanced his reputation with Lee Konitz, George Russell, Phil Woods, and others. From the mid-1980’s on Harrell has recorded more than two…
MOVIE REVIEW: “Looper”
Longtime readers of this space may remember that in the spring of 2006 a certain movie reviewer went on and on (and on, then on some more) about her love for Rian Johnson’s first film, “Brick,” a near-flawless pulp mystery in which high-school kids jawed like a Hammett gumshoe. This same dame was totally unimpressed…
CLASSICAL: Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra Season Opener
This weekend, the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra opens its 90th season with a program of music from its first season, including Howard Hanson’s Symphony No. 1 (the “Nordic” symphony). Hanson (1896-1981) was an American composer, conductor, and music educator, who was the director of the Eastman School of Music from 1924 to 1964. Also expect works…
SPECIAL EVENT: Hispanic Heritage Family Day
On Sunday, October 7, delve deeper into one of the many cultures present in our city at the Memorial Art Gallery (500 University Ave.) during Hispanic/Latino Heritage Family Day. From noon to 5 p.m. a variety of activities will be offered to visitors to learn more about various Hispanic cultures through both observation and participation.…
EXPERIMENTAL/METAL: The Overseer
Besides being the birthplace of the world’s greatest (or most evil, depending on your political perspective and shopping agenda) megastore, the city of Bentonville, Arkansas, has also produced the gut-wrenching, fist-pumping Christian hard-rock quartet, The Overseer. But believe me when I say that I don’t think these guys would be caught dead at a Creed…
Feedback 10/3
Send comments to themail@rochester-citynews.com, or post them on our website, rochestercitynewspaper.com, our Facebook page, or our Twitter feed, @roccitynews. Comments of fewer than 350 words have a greater chance of being published, and we do edit selections for publication in print. We don’t publish comments sent to other media. Evaluating city teachers In “Chasing School…
PUNK: Rocket From The Tombs
UPDATE 10/4/12: The information for this article was taken from press materials provided for the show. It was not made clear that Cheetah Chrome and Richard Lloyd are no longer with Rocket From the Tombs, and they will not be performing as part of the show in Rochester this weekend. I swear this isn’t a…
INTERVIEW: Moon Zombies
The difference between disco and funk is about as broad as the difference between platform heels and Jesus sandals. Disco is a more strident sound, with its tight rhythms, and it can be used to spice up the funky, or to lighten up rock’s requisite snarl. Where am I going with this? To the land…
Tempo tantrum
I believe in almighty — the almighty loud, that is. I’ll get behind it, or rather in front of it, if it’s paired up with good. That’s what I got Thursday night following an incredible and incredibly funny set from Anglo hippity-hoppers Garden Fresh. These guys are the perfect blend of brainiac and maniac. But…
DINING REVIEW: Thai Lao
Sweat breaks across my forehead. My eyes tear up. My nose is running. And I swear that my ears are ringing. I’ve only scooped one or two tangles of bright white rice noodles from the bowl of lava-red broth in front of me and I’m already in agony — the good kind of agony. The…
College Town kickoff
Demolition of three older office buildings on Mount Hope and Elmwood avenues will mark the beginning of the College Town project next month. The 16-acre mixed-used development targets the west side of Mount Hope between Elmwood Avenue and Crittenden Boulevard. The project was initiated by the University of Rochester to help integrate the institution and…
SPECIAL EVENT: Love Parade
What’s colorful, joyful, musical, has dozens and dozens of beautiful, beating hearts, and lives by the lakeside? The free annual Lake Ontario Love Parade, to be held this year on Sunday, October 7, at 1 p.m. at the Charlotte Pier. Each love parade is uniquely co-created by participants, say the organizers, who honor loved ones,…
Art Walk Extension opens
It’s been a long, arduous journey, but Art Walk Extension in Rochester’s Neighborhood of the Arts opened Friday. And if it’s true that art is in the eye of the beholder, it’s probably also true that the success of a major urban development project is equally subjective. The end result of Art Walk Extension frustrates…
COMEDY: Wanda Sykes
When I see Wanda Sykes, I’m reminded that appearances can be deceiving. Although this woman is petite, she is a ball of fire when she launches into her stand-up comedy act. On Friday, October 5, at 8 p.m. at Auditorium Theatre you can see this talented comedian in action. Careful not to get burned! Over…
Ad nauseam
It was only a matter of time before independent groups began inundating local voters with campaign ads. | Spending by these groups can be difficult to track, since some have to report to the Federal Elections Commission, but others do not. Last month, several independent political committees did report their spending on local races, however.…
ART: New Art Openings
This week’s new exhibits present minute and unexpected artworks in libraries, introspective portraits in traditional and new media, and an exploration of the beauty and glory of Africa. The following are just a few of the exhibits opening this week; for more information on art openings, visit our calendar at rochestercitynewspaper.com. All events are free…
Daily Choices: What to do on Monday, October 8
KIDS: The kids are out of school today and the weather’s not treating us so nicely. Take the kids over to The Strong National Museum of Play (1 Manhattan Square) for eGame Revolution Day, which takes place 11 a.m.-4 p.m. today. Admission is $11-$13, and there are enough activities to keep ‘em busy for a…
SPECIAL EVENT: Tilt-a-whirl feat. Pandora Boxx
This weekend marks the start of this year’s 20th ImageOut Festival, Rochester’s own annual LGBT film and video festival (see feature in this issue). Tilt (444 Central Ave.), everyone’s favorite gay-friendly nightclub and ultralounge, will host a few different events in conjunction with festival activities. On the eve of the festival’s first night, the ever-popular…
Urban Action 10/3
This week’s calls to action include the following events and activities. (All are free and open to the public, unless otherwise noted.) Series highlights Christian-Muslim dialogue The Commission on Muslim Christian Relations and the Muslim Catholic Alliance presents “Christianity and Islam: A Dialogue between Perspectives,” a series of discussions beginning on Wednesday, October 3, with…
EXHIBIT: “A T. Rex Named Sue”
Forget ghosts and ghouls. This year, October brings a massive, ancient, monster to Rochester. On Saturday, October 6, the Rochester Museum & Science Center (657 East Ave.) will open “A T. Rex Named Sue,” a new exhibit on the largest, most complete, and best-preserved T. Rex ever unearthed. The beast is so massive that ceiling…
The RPO drama: Can this marriage be saved?
This should be a joyful week for the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. It’s celebrating its 90th anniversary, and its new music director, Arild Remmereit, begins his second season on Thursday night with a successful first year under his belt. Success wasn’t guaranteed. Remmereit’s predecessor, the highly popular Christopher Seaman, was a hard act to follow. On…
ART EVENT: NOTA Celebration
If you haven’t yet noticed the sidewalk and sculptural installations that have popped up along University Avenue and North Goodman Street over the past several months, you’ve certainly noticed the construction. The long-awaited ArtWalk Extension Enhancement and University Avenue Improvements project is nearing completion, and this Friday, October 5, you’re invited to join a celebration…
METAL: Accept
German metal band Accept — you know, “Balls To The Wall” — rocks. It rocked back in the day and it will probably continue to rock going forward due to superb albums like “Blood of the Nations” (2010) and its latest, “Stalingrad.” Lead guitarist Wolf Hoffmann, bassist Peter Baltes, and company are old school and…
SPECIAL EVENT: River Romance
“Full many fair and famous streams, beneath the sun there be. Yet, more to us than any, seems our own dear Genesee.” So read the first lyrics of “The Genesee,” written by T. T. Swinburne from the University of Rochester class of 1892. Though he wrote those lyrics more than 200 years ago, for many…
ELECTRO-POP: KOPPS
On its debut EP, local electro-pop duo KOPPS enthusiastically tangles itself in a theme, and thrusts forward repeatedly to establish it thoroughly. Avoiding any confusion of its aim on the EP, titled “Fuck Jams,” the outfit has crafted six songs regarding, resembling, and investigating sex. Whether it’s the song titles and subject matter, the singer’s…
CLASSICAL: The many colors of Debussy
Fans of the works of Claude Debussy (1862-1918) should be sure to invite themselves to the “Prismatic Debussy” Festival, a month-long series of concerts, lectures, and displays taking place at the Eastman School of Music, held to celebrate the composer’s 150th birthday. Highlights include premieres of recently discovered Debussy songs, new compositions inspired by Debussy’s…
CLASSICAL: Pegasus Early Music: “Apolle e Dafne”
George Frideric Handel composed “Apollo e Dafne” in 1709-1710, between Venice and England. It was a time when the first colonists were reaching what would become the Carolinas, when the epic Battle at Malplaquet raged in France, and when Czar Peter the Great ruled the day in Russia. So imagine, young Handel (1685-1759) lifting his…
THEATER: “44 Plays for 44 Presidents”
I am a bad American. This is true for many reasons, but for the purpose of this review we’ll focus on the fact that I am woefully ignorant about our country’s presidential history. I got a 90-something on my American history Regents exam, but I’ll be damned if I can remember any of our former…
